A Year in WCLS Staff Picks - Administrative Services

In 2015, we are featuring staff picks from a different library each month. Wrapping things up in December is our Administrative Services Center, where staff provide support to all our branch libraries. Come see what our Admin staff is reading and recommending!

Christine says: "Atkinson takes a character from her previous novel, Life After Life, and imagines what his life would have been like had he survived...Show more
Christine says: "Atkinson takes a character from her previous novel, Life After Life, and imagines what his life would have been like had he survived his stint as an RAF pilot during World War II.
Atkinson is masterful at bending time and weaving together all eras of Teddy’s life, sometimes in the same sentence. Fascinating and accomplished storytelling."
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Christine says: "Atkinson takes a character from her previous novel, Life After Life, and imagines what his life would have been like had he survived...Show more
Christine says: "Atkinson takes a character from her previous novel, Life After Life, and imagines what his life would have been like had he survived his stint as an RAF pilot during World War II.
Atkinson is masterful at bending time and weaving together all eras of Teddy’s life, sometimes in the same sentence. Fascinating and accomplished storytelling."
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Yuki says: "Fascinating look into the world of social media and how what you say might change your life. Jon Ronson has a humorous style that Brits ...Show more
Yuki says: "Fascinating look into the world of social media and how what you say might change your life. Jon Ronson has a humorous style that Brits are known for, and it was an entertaining read. His other book on psychopaths was interesting, too. (“Psychopath Test”)"
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Yuki says: "Fascinating look into the world of social media and how what you say might change your life. Jon Ronson has a humorous style that Brits ...Show more
Yuki says: "Fascinating look into the world of social media and how what you say might change your life. Jon Ronson has a humorous style that Brits are known for, and it was an entertaining read. His other book on psychopaths was interesting, too. (“Psychopath Test”)"
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Amy J. says: "This memoir moves through the seasons with a family on Bainbridge Island as they explore salmon fishing, chanterelle picking, communal ...Show more
Amy J. says: "This memoir moves through the seasons with a family on Bainbridge Island as they explore salmon fishing, chanterelle picking, communal gardening, and life lived in close relationship with nature. Full of passion for local food, the outdoors, family life, and finding your own way in the world - this is a book I read over and over again!"
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Amy J. says: "This memoir moves through the seasons with a family on Bainbridge Island as they explore salmon fishing, chanterelle picking, communal ...Show more
Amy J. says: "This memoir moves through the seasons with a family on Bainbridge Island as they explore salmon fishing, chanterelle picking, communal gardening, and life lived in close relationship with nature. Full of passion for local food, the outdoors, family life, and finding your own way in the world - this is a book I read over and over again!"
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Mary K. says: "This heartfelt, hilarious novel was one of my favorite reads in 2015. Ove is a curmudgeon in every sense of the word, and all he reall...Show more
Mary K. says: "This heartfelt, hilarious novel was one of my favorite reads in 2015. Ove is a curmudgeon in every sense of the word, and all he really wants is to be left alone. But life (and his no-boundaries neighbors) have other plans for Ove. Don't let this gem of a novel pass you by - you'll laugh and cry in equal measures!"
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Mary K. says: "This heartfelt, hilarious novel was one of my favorite reads in 2015. Ove is a curmudgeon in every sense of the word, and all he reall...Show more
Mary K. says: "This heartfelt, hilarious novel was one of my favorite reads in 2015. Ove is a curmudgeon in every sense of the word, and all he really wants is to be left alone. But life (and his no-boundaries neighbors) have other plans for Ove. Don't let this gem of a novel pass you by - you'll laugh and cry in equal measures!"
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Tamar says: "I was captivated by this inventive novel which explores one teen’s experience with mental illness. The story weaves together two narrat...Show more
Tamar says: "I was captivated by this inventive novel which explores one teen’s experience with mental illness. The story weaves together two narratives, pulling the reader into surreal depths of despair but also lifting us up to better understand and empathize. Winner of the 2015 National Book Award."
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Tamar says: "I was captivated by this inventive novel which explores one teen’s experience with mental illness. The story weaves together two narrat...Show more
Tamar says: "I was captivated by this inventive novel which explores one teen’s experience with mental illness. The story weaves together two narratives, pulling the reader into surreal depths of despair but also lifting us up to better understand and empathize. Winner of the 2015 National Book Award."
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Lizz says: "First of a trilogy that is some of the most interesting and original world-building I’ve read in a long time. A world of earthquakes, st...Show more
Lizz says: "First of a trilogy that is some of the most interesting and original world-building I’ve read in a long time. A world of earthquakes, stone lore, and power-filled people. No long explanations to set up the world, here – you learn how the world works as the characters move through it! And there’s a mystery that will keep you guessing, literally until the very last word. I can’t wait for the next book!"
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Lizz says: "First of a trilogy that is some of the most interesting and original world-building I’ve read in a long time. A world of earthquakes, st...Show more
Lizz says: "First of a trilogy that is some of the most interesting and original world-building I’ve read in a long time. A world of earthquakes, stone lore, and power-filled people. No long explanations to set up the world, here – you learn how the world works as the characters move through it! And there’s a mystery that will keep you guessing, literally until the very last word. I can’t wait for the next book!"
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Jeanne says: "This collection of graphic short stories complex, densely packed, and very interesting, definitely about adult concerns. His drawings a...Show more
Jeanne says: "This collection of graphic short stories complex, densely packed, and very interesting, definitely about adult concerns. His drawings and spare text communicate the emotions - empathy, revulsion, frustration, love, and anger – and varying socioeconomic circumstances his characters are dealing with, just like real life."
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Jeanne says: "This collection of graphic short stories complex, densely packed, and very interesting, definitely about adult concerns. His drawings a...Show more
Jeanne says: "This collection of graphic short stories complex, densely packed, and very interesting, definitely about adult concerns. His drawings and spare text communicate the emotions - empathy, revulsion, frustration, love, and anger – and varying socioeconomic circumstances his characters are dealing with, just like real life."
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Lisa G. says: "While a junior in college, Axelrod loses sight in one eye in a freak accident. As physical illness or injury can, the perceptual chang...Show more
Lisa G. says: "While a junior in college, Axelrod loses sight in one eye in a freak accident. As physical illness or injury can, the perceptual change shakes his foundation. Disoriented and questioning for the first time the life course that came with his privileged upbringing, Axelrod retreats to a somewhat ramshackle remote cabin in the Vermont woods to search for a sense of self deeper than the injury. Pure poetry, and the reading communicates a vast sense of quiet which is welcome in this busy season!"
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Lisa G. says: "While a junior in college, Axelrod loses sight in one eye in a freak accident. As physical illness or injury can, the perceptual chang...Show more
Lisa G. says: "While a junior in college, Axelrod loses sight in one eye in a freak accident. As physical illness or injury can, the perceptual change shakes his foundation. Disoriented and questioning for the first time the life course that came with his privileged upbringing, Axelrod retreats to a somewhat ramshackle remote cabin in the Vermont woods to search for a sense of self deeper than the injury. Pure poetry, and the reading communicates a vast sense of quiet which is welcome in this busy season!"
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Jon says: "The universe of Firefly is the best space western ever. Set in a realistic future where Western and Chinese cultures melded before coloniz...Show more
Jon says: "The universe of Firefly is the best space western ever. Set in a realistic future where Western and Chinese cultures melded before colonizing other solar systems, the stories feature strong character development and fun action-and-adventure plots. Start with the TV show."
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Jon says: "The universe of Firefly is the best space western ever. Set in a realistic future where Western and Chinese cultures melded before coloniz...Show more
Jon says: "The universe of Firefly is the best space western ever. Set in a realistic future where Western and Chinese cultures melded before colonizing other solar systems, the stories feature strong character development and fun action-and-adventure plots. Start with the TV show."
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Michael says: "Vampire Loves by French artist, Joann Sfar, is a collection of graphic novels Grand Vampire Vol. 1-4, following Ferdinand, a vampire t...Show more
Michael says: "Vampire Loves by French artist, Joann Sfar, is a collection of graphic novels Grand Vampire Vol. 1-4, following Ferdinand, a vampire trying to make sense of his many romantic relationships. Ferdinand is not a typical vampire, biting his victims with only one tooth in order to pass as a mosquito. Nor is Vampire Loves a typical vampire book. Ferdinand is kind of sad and pitiful, making his attempts at romance more relatable to human readers than most vampire stories. If you have not yet discovered Joann Sfar, this book is the perfect introduction to a clever artistic voice."
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Michael says: "Vampire Loves by French artist, Joann Sfar, is a collection of graphic novels Grand Vampire Vol. 1-4, following Ferdinand, a vampire t...Show more
Michael says: "Vampire Loves by French artist, Joann Sfar, is a collection of graphic novels Grand Vampire Vol. 1-4, following Ferdinand, a vampire trying to make sense of his many romantic relationships. Ferdinand is not a typical vampire, biting his victims with only one tooth in order to pass as a mosquito. Nor is Vampire Loves a typical vampire book. Ferdinand is kind of sad and pitiful, making his attempts at romance more relatable to human readers than most vampire stories. If you have not yet discovered Joann Sfar, this book is the perfect introduction to a clever artistic voice."
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Terry says: "I was just thinking “what’s the best book I read this year?" And The Jaguar’s Children has to be it for me, hands down. Such a great ending!"
Terry says: "I was just thinking “what’s the best book I read this year?" And The Jaguar’s Children has to be it for me, hands down. Such a great ending!"
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Terry says: "I was just thinking “what’s the best book I read this year?" And The Jaguar’s Children has to be it for me, hands down. Such a great ending!"
Terry says: "I was just thinking “what’s the best book I read this year?" And The Jaguar’s Children has to be it for me, hands down. Such a great ending!"
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Kim says: "Fascinating look at end-of-life care and the hard discussions and choices that are necessary to ensure quality of life until the end."
Kim says: "Fascinating look at end-of-life care and the hard discussions and choices that are necessary to ensure quality of life until the end."
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Kim says: "Fascinating look at end-of-life care and the hard discussions and choices that are necessary to ensure quality of life until the end."
Kim says: "Fascinating look at end-of-life care and the hard discussions and choices that are necessary to ensure quality of life until the end."
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Mary M. says: "I love listening to any of the books of The Mitford Years series by Jan Karon read by John McDonough. I find visits to Mitford very r...Show more
Mary M. says: "I love listening to any of the books of The Mitford Years series by Jan Karon read by John McDonough. I find visits to Mitford very relaxing with McDonough’s soothing narration. Every character in this series is complete; her descriptions of the scenes of the fictional Village of Mitford fit each character perfectly. In her latest book, Karon makes you feel a part of the ‘simple’ preparations for the long-awaited wedding. Enjoy!"
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Mary M. says: "I love listening to any of the books of The Mitford Years series by Jan Karon read by John McDonough. I find visits to Mitford very r...Show more
Mary M. says: "I love listening to any of the books of The Mitford Years series by Jan Karon read by John McDonough. I find visits to Mitford very relaxing with McDonough’s soothing narration. Every character in this series is complete; her descriptions of the scenes of the fictional Village of Mitford fit each character perfectly. In her latest book, Karon makes you feel a part of the ‘simple’ preparations for the long-awaited wedding. Enjoy!"
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Yuki says: "Great song put into a picture book with brilliant illustrations. I started reading (singing) it to my grandson when he was a little over...Show more
Yuki says: "Great song put into a picture book with brilliant illustrations. I started reading (singing) it to my grandson when he was a little over one, and he was totally drawn to the colorful pictures. It has become one of his favorites along with all the train books he loves."
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Yuki says: "Great song put into a picture book with brilliant illustrations. I started reading (singing) it to my grandson when he was a little over...Show more
Yuki says: "Great song put into a picture book with brilliant illustrations. I started reading (singing) it to my grandson when he was a little over one, and he was totally drawn to the colorful pictures. It has become one of his favorites along with all the train books he loves."
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Christina says: "This book was billed as how to “Break free of guilt and shame by dismantling the unattainable Pinterest life.” The book is written...Show more
Christina says: "This book was billed as how to “Break free of guilt and shame by dismantling the unattainable Pinterest life.” The book is written in short sections, making it easy to pick up and read a little at a time. The author shares her ideas for extending grace to ourselves and others in a world full of pressure, all the while keeping the reader entertained and even laughing out loud sometimes! Hatmaker’s writing feels like you are in a conversation with her, which made it an enjoyable read."
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Christina says: "This book was billed as how to “Break free of guilt and shame by dismantling the unattainable Pinterest life.” The book is written...Show more
Christina says: "This book was billed as how to “Break free of guilt and shame by dismantling the unattainable Pinterest life.” The book is written in short sections, making it easy to pick up and read a little at a time. The author shares her ideas for extending grace to ourselves and others in a world full of pressure, all the while keeping the reader entertained and even laughing out loud sometimes! Hatmaker’s writing feels like you are in a conversation with her, which made it an enjoyable read."
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Kim says: "Beautiful cinematography. Brutal storyline. Mads Mikkelsen conveys heartache with just a look, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan is brilliant as the heartless villain."
Kim says: "Beautiful cinematography. Brutal storyline. Mads Mikkelsen conveys heartache with just a look, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan is brilliant as the heartless villain."
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Kim says: "Beautiful cinematography. Brutal storyline. Mads Mikkelsen conveys heartache with just a look, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan is brilliant as the heartless villain."
Kim says: "Beautiful cinematography. Brutal storyline. Mads Mikkelsen conveys heartache with just a look, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan is brilliant as the heartless villain."
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Sue says: "Over the recent holiday weekend I was able to try a few recipes from this cookbook by Betty Rosbottom. (The "minions" would gigg...Show more
Sue says: "Over the recent holiday weekend I was able to try a few recipes from this cookbook by Betty Rosbottom. (The "minions" would giggle about that name, wouldn't they!)
The author has sorted casserole recipes into sections which include breakfast and also dinner with poultry, red meat, seafood, vegetables or pasta. The few recipes I have tried so far (Chicken, Sweet Potato, Onion & Bacon Casserole and a Greek Lamb and Spinach Phyllo) seemed to whip together quickly with uncomplicated, easy-to-follow directions. The rich flavorfulness of most of these recipes seems to derive from onions, garlic, various cheeses and herbs. For the most part, they are not calorie-light recipes."
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Sue says: "Over the recent holiday weekend I was able to try a few recipes from this cookbook by Betty Rosbottom. (The "minions" would gigg...Show more
Sue says: "Over the recent holiday weekend I was able to try a few recipes from this cookbook by Betty Rosbottom. (The "minions" would giggle about that name, wouldn't they!)
The author has sorted casserole recipes into sections which include breakfast and also dinner with poultry, red meat, seafood, vegetables or pasta. The few recipes I have tried so far (Chicken, Sweet Potato, Onion & Bacon Casserole and a Greek Lamb and Spinach Phyllo) seemed to whip together quickly with uncomplicated, easy-to-follow directions. The rich flavorfulness of most of these recipes seems to derive from onions, garlic, various cheeses and herbs. For the most part, they are not calorie-light recipes."
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Jeanne says: "If you like in-depth historical novels that read like biography try this title. Portraying the world of a young girl coming of age duri...Show more
Jeanne says: "If you like in-depth historical novels that read like biography try this title. Portraying the world of a young girl coming of age during the period when Christianity meets the old gods of 7th century England, it is full of intrigue, mysticism, and subtlety. For fans of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall and other sweeping histories of the early British monarchy."
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Jeanne says: "If you like in-depth historical novels that read like biography try this title. Portraying the world of a young girl coming of age duri...Show more
Jeanne says: "If you like in-depth historical novels that read like biography try this title. Portraying the world of a young girl coming of age during the period when Christianity meets the old gods of 7th century England, it is full of intrigue, mysticism, and subtlety. For fans of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall and other sweeping histories of the early British monarchy."
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Jon says: "The Serenity comic book series extends the story of Joss Whedon's Firefly....volumes 1-4 available in print and digital versions."
Jon says: "The Serenity comic book series extends the story of Joss Whedon's Firefly....volumes 1-4 available in print and digital versions."
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Jon says: "The Serenity comic book series extends the story of Joss Whedon's Firefly....volumes 1-4 available in print and digital versions."
Jon says: "The Serenity comic book series extends the story of Joss Whedon's Firefly....volumes 1-4 available in print and digital versions."
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Yuki says: "Quirky movie about teens dealing with a girl dying of cancer, but unlike the other famous teen girl dying movie, this one has no emotional manipulations but is full of humor and heartfelt moments."
Yuki says: "Quirky movie about teens dealing with a girl dying of cancer, but unlike the other famous teen girl dying movie, this one has no emotional manipulations but is full of humor and heartfelt moments."
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Yuki says: "Quirky movie about teens dealing with a girl dying of cancer, but unlike the other famous teen girl dying movie, this one has no emotional manipulations but is full of humor and heartfelt moments."
Yuki says: "Quirky movie about teens dealing with a girl dying of cancer, but unlike the other famous teen girl dying movie, this one has no emotional manipulations but is full of humor and heartfelt moments."
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Jeanne says: "Fascinating documentary about an international jewelry thief who is now in her 80s and still stealing (when she’s not locked up). Especially interesting are her stories on camera of how she got away with so much."
Jeanne says: "Fascinating documentary about an international jewelry thief who is now in her 80s and still stealing (when she’s not locked up). Especially interesting are her stories on camera of how she got away with so much."
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Jeanne says: "Fascinating documentary about an international jewelry thief who is now in her 80s and still stealing (when she’s not locked up). Especially interesting are her stories on camera of how she got away with so much."
Jeanne says: "Fascinating documentary about an international jewelry thief who is now in her 80s and still stealing (when she’s not locked up). Especially interesting are her stories on camera of how she got away with so much."
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Mary J. says: "I wanted to reach out and rescue this kid, often from himself, multiple times throughout this book. I felt the characters were vivid, largely believable people. The audio version was great."
Mary J. says: "I wanted to reach out and rescue this kid, often from himself, multiple times throughout this book. I felt the characters were vivid, largely believable people. The audio version was great."
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Mary J. says: "I wanted to reach out and rescue this kid, often from himself, multiple times throughout this book. I felt the characters were vivid, largely believable people. The audio version was great."
Mary J. says: "I wanted to reach out and rescue this kid, often from himself, multiple times throughout this book. I felt the characters were vivid, largely believable people. The audio version was great."
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Lizz says: "Dragons. That you can ride. That can think and talk. (And travel to foreign lands…) I LOVE the Temeraire Series by Naomi Novik!!"
Lizz says: "Dragons. That you can ride. That can think and talk. (And travel to foreign lands…) I LOVE the Temeraire Series by Naomi Novik!!"
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Lizz says: "Dragons. That you can ride. That can think and talk. (And travel to foreign lands…) I LOVE the Temeraire Series by Naomi Novik!!"
Lizz says: "Dragons. That you can ride. That can think and talk. (And travel to foreign lands…) I LOVE the Temeraire Series by Naomi Novik!!"
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